Connect with us

TCI News

Mosquito Awareness Month in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Published

on

#TurksandCaicos, May 21, 2018 – Providenciales – There has been a significant amount of rain within the Turks and Caicos Islands over the past few weeks. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is warning residents within the Caribbean region to “gear-up for the possibility of a major outbreak of dengue fever in 2018.”

Latin America reported that they have had increases in the number of reported Dengue cases in recent months.  The Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services is taking a proactive approach by advising the general public to take precautions to safeguard against mosquito bites and reduce the risk of mosquitoes breeding in their communities.

Additionally, persons are being advised to reduce the risk of mosquito bites through using air conditioning or window and door screens in order to reduce the risk of mosquitoes coming indoors.  Proper application of mosquito repellents containing 20% to 30% DEET as the active ingredient on exposed skin and clothing also decreases the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.

The week of the 7th-13th was observed as Mosquito Week under the theme “Fight the bite, destroy all mosquito breeding sites”. Turks and Caicos Islands has gone further by dedicating the month of May to vector borne disease awareness.

Efforts to stop mosquitoes breeding have been increased and the general public is being encouraged to work with the Environmental Health Department in reducing mosquito breeding sites throughout the TCI.

Research by CARPHA and the Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) shows that drums and tires are the main mosquito breeding sources in Caribbean countries. Therefore, we need to keep our surroundings clean.

The Minister of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services, Hon. Edwin Astwood urges the public to take action by covering drums and tanks, checking the guttering, removing stagnant water sources and protecting one’s self and family from bites.

Dengue is a flu-like illness that can become severe and may cause death if prompt treatment is not received.  Symptoms normally begin four to ten days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and may include a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash.

There is no cure or specific treatment for dengue. Treatment involves relieving your symptoms while the infection runs its course. It is advisable that you use Panadol to relieve pain and fever and avoid taking aspirin or Ibuprofen. Drink plenty of water and consult your doctor. Symptoms may last for a week.

For more information, contact the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit on 3382772 or contact the Environmental Health Department on 3382143.

 

Release: Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services

 

Continue Reading

News

DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM REGULATIONS INTRODUCES “RATE YOUR RIDE” SYSTEM FOR TOURISTS VISITING THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

Published

on

FROM THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 27th March, 2024 – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: The Department of Tourism Regulations is proud to unveil the “Rate Your Ride” system, a new initiative designed to enhance the vacation experience for tourists exploring our picturesque islands.

The “Rate Your Ride” system empowers tourists to provide valuable feedback on the quality of transportation services they receive while visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through an easy-to-use online form, tourists can rate factors such as cleanliness, comfort, safety, and professionalism of drivers, helping us to assure the highest quality of service standards across all modes of transportation.

By participating in the “Rate Your Ride” system, tourists play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation services in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Their feedback will enable us to identify areas for improvement and ensure that every visitor enjoys safe, comfortable, and convenient travel throughout their stay in the Turks and Caicos.

The code will also be publicly accessible through the cooperation of volunteer drivers who will make the rating code available in their vehicles. Flyers and stickers displaying the code will be distributed at hotels, resorts and airports. The mandated display of these codes is expected to align with the rollout of our tourism regulations in 2025.

For more information about the “Rate Your Ride” system and other initiatives by the Department of Tourism Regulations, please visit gov.tc/tourismregulations/or contact us via telephone at 946-4970 and email at tourismregulations@gov.tc.

Continue Reading

News

THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIOURAL HEALTH SERVICES CONDEMNS RECORDING OF PERSONS WHO ARE IN CRISIS

Published

on

FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 27th March 2024– The Department of Behavioral Health Services is appealing to the general public to refrain from recording and circulating videos of persons who may appear to be experiencing a mental health crisis. Anyone can experience a mental health crisis at some point in their life. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in any given year. Persons may struggle with very common conditions such as Anxiety and Depression or be diagnosed with more serious conditions like Bipolar Disorder or Psychosis.

“There are a lot of misunderstandings about various mental health conditions and how they may manifest. In addition, there are a number of negative perceptions and misconceptions that society exhibits towards people with mental health problems. However, just as we would show care and concern for someone diagnosed with Cancer, or any other physical illness, in the same way, we need to be as caring and helpful to persons with mental illnesses”– stated Director of the Department of Behavioral Health Services, Dr. Alicia Malcolm.

The Department is urging the public to call the following numbers if you see someone who appears to be experiencing a mental health crisis:

338-5473/338-3616: Providenciales, North or Middle Caicos

338-3614/338-3612: Grand Turk, South Caicos, Salt Cay

338-6301: Nights and Weekends

If someone is putting themselves or someone else in immediate, serious risk of harm, call 911.

The Department of Behavioral Health services is here to help and provides the following services which are free and confidential:

Location of above services:

o             Sam Harvey Building, Down Town, Providenciales,

o             Primary Health Care Department, Cheshire Hall Medical Center, Providenciales 

o             Department of Behavioural Health, Duncombe Alley, Grand Turk

 

Let’s all do our part in creating a community where people with mental health problems feel respected, supported and cared for. 

For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/ or the Department of Behavioral Health Services Faceebook on https://www.facebook.com/TCIDBHS/.

Continue Reading

News

Breaking Ground: TCI Could Lead in Regional Communication Standards

Published

on

Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom, 27th March 2024: The PR, marketing, and communications sector is poised for potential growth and could lead the Caribbean region in terms of industry standards says Damian Wilson. Wilson’s suggestion comes after the release of a new research report into the current trends and future direction of the sector as a possible emerging industry in the Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI).

Wilson is the report’s author, which conveys the findings of research which he initiated. “One of the key research results is the considerable optimism by industry practitioners and government alike, with persons seeing growth potential. I believe that we can become regional leaders in this field. I believe that one of the initiatives that could be used to do this is by establishing a ‘TCI Centre of Communications Excellence’ within the TCI Community College. Such an institute would be dedicated to communication and media innovation with a particular focus on digital communications and ICT,” says Wilson.

He further explained, “I believe that the PR, marketing, and communications sector, like much of the country, is at a crossroads and could have an even greater impact on our socio-economic fabric. Some may have concerns about our small size, but I believe this makes us far more agile than our neighbours. All in all, any potential growth must be underpinned by new investments, professional development, and a strategy to integrate the sector into the broader economy.”

Wilson also said that he sees his research as a first step in understanding our own industry sectors in the TCI and would love to see more profound research and analysis conducted. He’s hoping that the report will spark discussion along those lines. The report is entitled ‘Current Trends and Future Direction: A Preliminary Report on the PR, Marketing, and Communications Sector in the Turks & Caicos Islands’. Anyone wanting a copy of the report can contact Damian Wilson via his email, damian.wilson.pr@gmail.com.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING